This challenge was super quick and a lot of fun. I have used the OCR software on the PC Plus before, so I was familiar with the steps. The only strange thing that happened was that the page didn't scan once; it kept on scanning. I had walked away from the computer for a couple of minutes, and when I came back I realized that it had done 38 scans of the same page! I got it to stop and I deleted the extra pages, but I'm still unsure as to why that happened.
Anyway, once I had my one page, the editing was a breeze. No strange typos for me. The best part was editing it in Word. I think my creative writing background came in handy for this challenge! Good to be reminded that we have this software available for people want to scan something other than a picture. Though I do know from experience that it gets cranky with pages that are heavily formatted, like a resume. But mostly it is a useful software to have around.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Challenge #5 - Newspaper Search
Searching for newspaper articles comes up a lot when helping customers. The majority of the time, for me anyway, it seems to revolve around finding obituaries. This can be a scavenger hunt in itself depending on how much information the customer can provide you (and whether or not it is accurate). I enjoy fishing around for info, though; the hunt is what makes it fun.
I recently used America's Newspapers to do a search on my old high school, just to see if anything new and exciting was happening there. I graduated from a small private high school in Binghamton, NY and now that my parents have moved away from there as well, I've been out of the loop. Most of the articles that I found were sports-related. However, I did find out that the school is planning on doing rennovations, which I would definitely say are a good thing. I'll have to keep digging for some better gossip!
I recently used America's Newspapers to do a search on my old high school, just to see if anything new and exciting was happening there. I graduated from a small private high school in Binghamton, NY and now that my parents have moved away from there as well, I've been out of the loop. Most of the articles that I found were sports-related. However, I did find out that the school is planning on doing rennovations, which I would definitely say are a good thing. I'll have to keep digging for some better gossip!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Challenge #4 - 2nd post
This part of the Challenge has really opened up my eyes and reminded me there is so much more to Google than a search engine. I use several of the extra Google features on a regular basis: Gmail, Google Maps (sooo in love with Maps!), Google Calendar, Google Reader, Google Docs, etc. But there is so much more in the Lab than even all that! I was greatful for the reminder of all the different advanced searching techniques. The Google Cheatsheet link was added to my favorites almost immediately after I took a glance over the page. I'm going to make it a point to try to practice with those searches so they begin to feel second nature to me.
Google Books is probably the one of the most amazing things I've recently began learning about and using. Its actually helped me quite a bit at work. I have used it to search for exerpts from books on storytime tips and craft ideas, and I've found a lot of information that way! Its a great help if you need the info right then and there. Of course, I've looked up the titles in our Power PAC and if we own a copy, I'll request it so I can take a look at the full version. That's been very helpful.
I think my favorite will always be Maps, though. Before I moved here after accepting the job with OCL, I used Maps to take a look at the area and get a lay of the land so to speak. I was moving from out of state and had no idea how to get anywhere. But a little research ahead of time did the trick and I didn't feel quite so lost when I finally got here. The satellite view is great because that really gives you a feel for where something is located - is it in a residential neighborhood or is it across the street from a shopping center? If they had only had the street view feature then; I would have definitely been using that too! Google has really added new components to Maps over the past few years, and that has continued to make it a competive product.
Google Books is probably the one of the most amazing things I've recently began learning about and using. Its actually helped me quite a bit at work. I have used it to search for exerpts from books on storytime tips and craft ideas, and I've found a lot of information that way! Its a great help if you need the info right then and there. Of course, I've looked up the titles in our Power PAC and if we own a copy, I'll request it so I can take a look at the full version. That's been very helpful.
I think my favorite will always be Maps, though. Before I moved here after accepting the job with OCL, I used Maps to take a look at the area and get a lay of the land so to speak. I was moving from out of state and had no idea how to get anywhere. But a little research ahead of time did the trick and I didn't feel quite so lost when I finally got here. The satellite view is great because that really gives you a feel for where something is located - is it in a residential neighborhood or is it across the street from a shopping center? If they had only had the street view feature then; I would have definitely been using that too! Google has really added new components to Maps over the past few years, and that has continued to make it a competive product.
Challenge #4 - Google Blog
I'm catching back up with the Challenge now, starting with taking a look at Google Blog. Very interesting! Doing this challenge has reminded me of just how many things Google can do. And the great thing is that it applies to both my work and personal life. As I read through the Google Blog posts, I realized that this is probably the best way to keep myself up to speed on the new stuff Google comes up with. I enjoy reading the more "techie" posts, but I think the one that struck me the most was the post on 6/30/2009 about their involvements in Gay Pride Month celebrations around the country. It was refreshing to see such a dominant enterprise not only support this important diversity initiative, but also not shy away from publicizing their support. The post was a wonderful show of inclusion and made me respect Google in a different way. I'm very much looking forward to reading Google Blog on a regular basis; I've even added it to my Google Reader!
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